Warning signal mounting apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for mounting a signal or warning device upon a vehicle or vehicle trailer cargo which incorporates a clamp, a signal, and a signal storage component.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus for mounting a flag or other signaling device upon a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle load either while stationary or in transit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is a very common requirement for vehicles in the construction, delivery, cargo hauling, or numerous other commercial or utility industries to have to provide warning of dangerous highway circumstances, such as extremely wide loads or loads which extend beyond the normal rear area of the vehicle. This often occurs when vehicles engaged in hauling supplies and materials to work sites carry long sections of lumber, pipe, or other materials which may protrude distances of 6 feet or more from the rear tailgate of the vehicle.

Because such protruding materials are frequently narrow and lack substantial width it is often difficult for the drivers of vehicles approaching these items from the rear to detect the presence of the hazard they pose to the windshield or other front surface of a vehicle which approaches too closely. For this reason it is not only good practice but a legal requirement for such loads to be designated and warned with a warning flag or signal of some kind, such as a red flag, in order to give better notice and warning of the degree to which such loads may protrude from the rear of a vehicle.

Frequently these warning flags are simply tied onto the protruding material. While this may be adequate, it requires proper knotting and may allow the flag to slip or move. There are, of course, a variety of methods and apparatus for the display of such items as advertising posters, signal lights, signs and banners, and other decorative items from motor vehicles. Most such displays are for the purpose of accomplishing aesthetic or advertising objectives rather than for the purpose of providing warnings. Vehicles which have the frequent need for providing serious warnings, such as police cars and ambulances and wrecking vehicles, are adapted with lighting systems which are permanently installed and are extremely effective in providing such warnings. These warning systems are not suitable for the oversized or extended load warning.

Tying flags to such loads is not without some risk and drawback. For instance, a good amount of the warning material, such as a warning flag, is concealed or compressed from display as a result of wrapping and tightening it about the object requiring the warning. In fact, it would be a fair general statement to say that the more effort which is placed into wrapping and securing the warning flag to the item the less able it is to actually provide warning because of this condition. Adhesive materials, such as tape, would not be satisfactory or reliable when vehicles are experiencing bumpy or unlevel highways or work areas or when the vehicles are driving at highway speeds. This is because the jostling of the warned objects are the rush of 50 and 60 mile an hour winds which would be experienced by an object free of the confinement of the vehicle passing down the road would place substantial stress upon any material such as a flag material. Inclement weather, such as rain and fog, also may compromise the stability of a loosely or carelessly attached signal at times in which the visibility of such a signal is even more critical.

The use of adhesive fluids, such as a glue, or even extremely adhesive tape material, may run the risk of defacing the protected material by disturbing the surface of the protected material. The same would be true and perhaps even more troublesome if the flag was to be fastened with some object such as a staple or a nail. This would clearly do harm to the surface and integrity and perhaps the cosmetic appearance of the protected material.

A number of devices have been developed for fastening objects to various areas of an automobile or other moving vehicle. Most of these have been developed for some other purpose. One such idea it is the invention issue to Morrell, et al. on Oct. 17, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,051. This apparatus was designed to fasten an alternative mirror to the shaft of the standard rearview mirror attached to a vehicles run wind screen. Such an alternative mirror could be adjusted to allow the driver to observe areas in the backseat of a vehicle, such as the areas where small children might get into danger or cause trouble with mischief. This apparatus makes use of a clamp but such clamp would be designed for a particular use and would not be suitable to withstand the rigors of motion through the open air.

A device taught by Hawkins in U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,053, issued on May 31, 2005, teaches a mechanism for displaying a flag from a motor vehicle radio antenna. The apparatus teaches a mechanism which is capable of being wrapped about the shaft of the radio antenna and then secured tightly about the radio antenna so as to permit the unfurling and spreading of a flag, such as that associated with the pennant of an athletic team or school. This could also be a flag associated with a particular commercial product or venture or company. While very effective at the task of displaying a flag, this apparatus is uniquely designed for use with a motor vehicle radio antenna and is also uniquely adapted to achieve the aesthetic effect of completely unfurling and spreading the flag. This is accomplished by a relatively complex mechanism which requires some amount of time for installation and proper tightening and fastening.

The operator of a motor vehicle requiring to display an extended load or extra wide load warning would like to have the ability to quickly and reliably fasten such a display flag so that it will not be disturbed or moved along the length of the breadth of the hazardous load and to do so in such a manner that it can easily be removed It would also be nice if the process would not require a substantial amount of time for effort to either fasten or remove the warning flag. Such apparatus or method is not present in the prior art relating to this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a simple apparatus which achieves the objectives of reliable positioning and fastening, quick and easy installation and removal, effective display of the warning message, and even serves to provide a means of protecting the flag when not in use.

This has been accomplished by the use of a clamp apparatus of proper size to fit upon such common construction materials as lengths of lumber and pipe which is adapted with a mount for a flag and may the further adapted with a shroud or protecting member for concealing the flag or signaling apparatus when not in use.

The clamp may be a simple spring-loaded clamp which comprises a compressing handle, an enclosed tension spring, and gripping claws which are adapted to clamp upon the material or object to be the subject of warning to oncoming motorists. Protruding from one of the handle arms could be either a signaling flag or device or an elongated cavity within which a signal flag could be stored and then easily retrieved or display. The flag could be fastened to the handle with means to permit its withdrawal from within the shroud and the spring-loaded clamp could achieve gripping effectiveness in several different ways. These could include selection of materials, provision of a unique gripping surface, appropriate sizing, or any combination of these features. Such could also include alternative means for storing the flag or signal.

As designed the clamping and signaling apparatus would facilitate and permit a signal flag or other signaling device to be quickly and easily withdrawn for effective signaling of oncoming motorists, securely fastened to a feature or hazard requiring warning or signaling, and then very quickly and easily removed and stored for later use. Moreover, this can be done without risk of defacing, harming or impairing the structural integrity, or otherwise impacting upon the material requiring the warning.

It is, then, an object of the present invention to provide means and apparatus for quickly and easily positioning a warning flag or other signaling device upon a hazardous or other extraordinary cargo transported by highway transportation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which achieves effective mounting capable of withstanding the rigors of highway travel by means of a secure clamp.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which permits the warning flag or other signaling device to be concealed and protected when not in use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which can be simply modified for use in a variety of orientations and configurations, such as various types of cargo.

It is a further object of the present invention to enhance the effectiveness of such an apparatus by selecting appropriate sizes and materials and material services for achieving the desired cargo modifications.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention reference will be made to the series of figures and drawings briefly described below.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the apparatus which would be suitable for use with standard building materials, such as lengths of lumber, plumbing pipe, or PVC pipe or conduit. In FIG. 1 the warning flag has been concealed within the shroud.

FIG. 2 depicts a similar embodiment of the apparatus in which a warning flag has been withdrawn from the shroud for display.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the handles which reveals the spring-loaded tension apparatus and a shroud mounted upon one arm of the handle for the clamping apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts the apparatus positioned upon a length of lumber in which the lumber is viewed in cross-section.

FIG. 5 depicts the gripping member of the clamp which has been adapted by scoring to achieve an enhanced grip.

FIG. 6 depicts the gripping member of the clamp which has been adapted by providing a service comprised of a gripping material, such as rubber or other material offering surface friction to objects which may be enclosed within the clamp.

FIG. 7 depicts how the apparatus may be used to grip upon a thicker material, such as a pipe or PVC length of conduit.

FIG. 8 depicts the apparatus as seen mounted upon a trailer hauling a cargo of lumber.

While certain drawings have been provided in order to teach the principles and operation of the present invention, it should be understood that, in the detailed description which follows, reference may be made to components or apparatus which are not included in the drawings. Such components and apparatus should be considered as part of the description, even if not included in such a drawing. Likewise, the drawings may include an element, structure, or mechanism which is not described in the textual description of the invention which follows. The invention and description should also be understood to include such a mechanism, component, or element which is depicted in the drawing but not specifically described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

While the following description will seek to improve understanding of the invention by describing the various components and elements, it should be considered that certain apparatus may be sufficiently and adequately explained by the accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein, and not require further description. All such apparatus should be considered as part of the specification of the invention for all purposes.

Making reference first to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of handle arms, (11,12) a pair of handle arms, (21,22) and an enclosure (40) for a signaling flag or other apparatus, and a signaling flag, (41) or other apparatus (other apparatus not depicted). Together it will be shown how these elements permit the objectives of the invention to be achieved.

The tension for securing the signaling device (41) to the object or material requiring warning to oncoming motorists (51) is principally supplied by the tension of a spring (13) which is coiled about an axle (14) and which is further in tension communication with each of a pair of handle arms (number which are also integral with a pair of gripping arms (21,22).

The gripping arms (21, 22) as well as the handle arms (11, 12) are positioned to pivot within a range of motion (61) defined by the angle between each respective gripping arm (21, 22) and gripping handle (11, 12). They are further secured to the axle (64) by means of a series of holes (51, 52, 53, 54) through each arm (11, 12) and gripping member (21, 22) so that the axle (14) provides the basis of pivot or rotation for each arm and gripping member (21,22) and is held securely to the axle so that extended ends (15,16) of the coil spring (14) rest along the interior (43,44) of each handle arm (11, 12) and apply the tension of the coil spring (14) to each of the handle arms (11, 12) and force each of the gripping arms (21, 22) to rotate together and towards each other with the force of the coil spring (14).

It can be seen from FIG. 1 that each gripping arm member (21 or 22) may be adapted with both a primary gripping portion (23, 24) which, in this case, is a flat section positioned to, when not in use, make physical contact with a corresponding flat section on the other gripping arm (21 or 22). It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that each of the gripping arm members (21,22) may also be adapted with a curved portion (91,92) with gripping teeth (93) to facilitate gripping a round or other irregularly shaped object. This will be discussed in more detail later.

FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus with a signaling flag (80) withdrawn from the shroud or enclosure (40). It can be further seen from examination of FIG. 2 that each of the described elements of the apparatus, once assembled, can easily be fully manipulated and operated by hand without the use of any additional tools, or apparatus or implements.

It can be seen from FIG. 3 that one of the handle arm members (12) is adapted with means for mounting a short shaft (56), which may include a shroud or enclosure (57), for alternatively housing and displaying a signaling flag (not depicted in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 more closely depicts how the extended ends (15,16) of the coil spring (14) are positioned against the interior of each handle arm (43,44), FIG. 3 further depicts how the shroud or enclosure (40) may be attached to a handle arm (12).

FIG. 3 also shows the shroud (40) as an elongated housing (57) with top and bottom sides (58,59), enclosing the flag (41) and shaft (56).

FIG. 8 depicts the apparatus as it is used to give warning to a length of lumber (71) which extends beyond the tailgate (72) of a truck or trailer (73) used to haul lumber between commercial locations, to a work site, or to any other destination. It can be seen that the gripping arms (21, 22) make contact with and adhere to the length of lumber (71).

FIG. 4 across the cross section (75) of the lumber (71), and permit the signal flag or warning flag, after removal from the shroud (57), to protrude from the apparatus and be easily seen by a vehicle (81) approaching from the rear area (76) of the truck or trailer (73). Of course, the apparatus could just as easily be mounted so as to extend straight from the back end (77) of the piece of lumber (71) because of the tension of the coil spring (14).

FIG. 5 depicts, in expanded view, the gripping surface (26) of one of the gripping arm members (21, 22). It can be seen that the gripping surface (26) can, although it need not, be adapted with a scoring (37) of the surface (26). Such scoring (37) could be used to enhance the ability of the gripping arms (21, 22) to make reliable and secure contact with an object requiring warning. This is because such scoring (37) would provide additional friction between the surfaces and, in the case of less hardened materials, such as plastic or lumber, some degree of relief upon the softer portions of the surfaces (not depicted) so as to facilitate additional gripping resulting from the filling of the scored areas (38) with irregular surface portions of the gripped surface of the material requiring warning (not separately depicted).

FIG. 6 depicts, also in expanded view, how the gripping surfaces (23, 24) might also be enhanced by providing an additional surface material (29) which is inherently more reliable because of its friction or adhesive properties. Such a material might be rubber or a treated plastic which has a surface which resists friction or the ability of other objects to slide across the surface. There are, of course, a variety of ways to achieve or enhance the level of stability and adhesion. These could include the use of adhesive chemicals to coat the surfaces, sharp features to grip one surface to another, matching VELCRO® members, non permanent glue or other adhesive material.

FIG. 7 depicts how the apparatus may make use of the curved surface with gripping teeth (27,28) to be secured upon a pipe or length of PVC conduit (67). This would also apply to a bundle of re-bar or other structure of similar size and material.

FIG. 8 depicts how the apparatus serves to warn oncoming motorists as well as the need for reliable placement of the apparatus upon the load requiring the warning. It can be seen that material extending out the back of the tailgate (95) of a truck trailer (not depicted) to keep in place (since it could wobble or bounce or move from side to side) and is also fully exposed to the surrounding air through which it rushes, particularly during high-speed transit on an interstate or other major highway.

In addition to the alternatives already noted there may be a variety of alternative embodiments of this apparatus which are also in keeping with the spirit of the present invention. Each of them should be considered to be incorporated into this invention and the appended claims. For instance, a variety of clamps which operate as the present one are available which have a different appearance than the one herein depicted. The invention has primarily been concerned with the display of the standard red flag associated with oversized loads, but it could be applied to the display of a yellow, white, blue, or multi-colored flag if such was appropriate. For that matter a light of any appropriate color could be placed within and removed from the shroud for display. Each of these clamp and signal alternatives should be seen as keeping within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is important to state and note that no claim is herein meant to apply to the basic structure of a spring-loaded clamp. It is well known that a variety of clamps work on this principle, such as clothes pins and many other similar devices. The present invention will be seen to find its novelty and innovation in its unique ability to accomplish the task of fastening a warning flag or signal to a moving vehicle.

For the same reason, no claim is made to the concept of the use of flag or, for that manner, any other device to provide warning or signaling. While the device is taught with respect to a flag, it should be noted that a streamer, a light, a colored shaft or board, or any means of providing warning would be compatible with the present invention.

The invention has also taught several methods and apparatus for gripping the mounting object. While the invention has been primarily adapted for mounting upon common objects, such as pipe and lumber, which are amenable to a hand-sized clamp other alternatives may be developed to allow use on larger or smaller cargo types. Moreover, gripping configurations other than those specifically described herein may be used with hand sized clamps. All of these gripping alternatives should be seen as keeping within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including combinations of one or more of them.

Moreover, when a flag or similar device is used for providing the signal, its storage may be accomplished as simply as wrapping it about the extended length of the handle member and tying it with extended tie down members (not depicted) with velcro® strips (also not depicted) or with securing bands or separate tying lines (neither of which are depicted).

While the apparatus is simple, the principles of combining a tension handle clamp, mounting member, and signaling device which may be alternatively concealed from view or displayed is unique and is amenable to adaptation with a variety of primary and alternate embodiments. Each and every one of them are intended to be included in this teaching and within the spirit and scope of the claims, which are appended hereto.

Further modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject and spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims. Such modifications and variations, as included within the scope of these claims, are meant to be considered part of the invention as described. 

1. Mountable signaling apparatus for use in warning oncoming vehicles of the existence of an extended or oversized load or other hazard which is adapted for quick and reliable installation and removal upon a variety of cargoes, the mountable signaling apparatus comprising: clamping apparatus, said clamping apparatus further comprising a spring-loaded handle clamp which is operated by oppositely disposed handle members in communication with a coil spring, said coil spring further adapted to apply its tension to separate said oppositely disposed handle members; gripping apparatus, said gripping apparatus further comprising oppositely disposed gripping arms, said gripping arms being each in physical communication with a respective handle member and extending out from its respective handle member opposite from said coil spring so that the tension forcing each said handle members apart from the other said handle member acts to force each said gripping arm to ward the other said gripping arm, each said gripping arm being adapted with one or more gripping surfaces, said gripping surfaces being adapted to, when said handle members are released, firmly grip and adhere to an object which may be protruding out from the rear or to the side of a cargo bearing vehicle; and signaling apparatus, said signaling apparatus further comprising apparatus extending out from one said handle member and being further adapted to alternatively conceal from view or allow the display of a signaling device which may be visible for the distance necessary to warn an approaching driver of the presence of an extended or oversized load or other hazard upon said cargo bearing motor vehicle.
 2. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 1 in which each said gripping arm comprises a flat gripping surface at its end, each said Flat gripping surface being disposed towards the other Flat gripping surfaces so that the tension of said coil spring will grip an object situated between said Flat gripping surfaces.
 3. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 2 in which each said flat surface is scored to a sufficient degree to enhance its ability to grip an object situated between said Flat gripping surfaces.
 4. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 2 in which each said Flat gripping surface is adapted with an adhesive coating to a sufficient degree to enhance its ability to grip an object situated between said Flat gripping surfaces.
 5. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 1 in which each said gripping arm further comprises, along its length, a curved gripping section, each said curved gripping section being oriented to generally form an opposite and outwardly disposed arc from said other said curved gripping section so that said curved sections, will act together to grip an object situated between them.
 6. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 5 in which the gripping ability of each said curved gripping section is enhanced by any one or combination of the following means: adapting each gripping surface with scoring; adapting each said gripping surface with teeth members; or adapting each said gripping surface with an adhesive coating.
 7. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 1 in which each said gripping arm comprises a flat gripping surface at its end, each said Flat gripping surface being disposed towards the other Flat gripping surfaces so that the tension of said coil spring will grip an object situated between said Flat gripping surfaces and in which each gripping arm further comprises, along its length, a curved gripping section, each said curved gripping section being oriented to generally form an opposite and outwardly disposed arc from said other said curved gripping section so that said curved sections, will act together to grip an object situated between them.
 8. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 7 in which the gripping ability of each said Flat gripping surface is enhanced by any one or combination of the following means: adapting each gripping surface with scoring or adapting each said gripping surface with an adhesive coating.
 9. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 1 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises a brightly colored flag which is mounted upon said apparatus extending out from said handle member.
 10. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 1 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises any one or combination of the following: a red flag, a yellow flag, a white flag, a green flag, a blue flag, a red light, a yellow light, a blue light, a green light, a white light, or any apparatus and device of any kind which is sufficiently conspicuous to provide warning of a hazardous condition existing upon or associated with said vehicle.
 11. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 7 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises a brightly colored flag which is mounted upon said apparatus extending out from said handle member.
 12. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 7 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises any one or combination of the following: a red flag, a yellow flag, a white flag, a green flag, a blue flag, a red light, a yellow light, a blue light, a green light, a white light, or any apparatus and device of any kind which is sufficiently conspicuous to provide warning of a hazardous condition existing upon or associated with said vehicle.
 13. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 9 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises a brightly colored flag which is mounted upon said apparatus extending out from said handle member.
 14. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 9 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises any one or combination of the following: a red flag, a yellow flag, a white flag, a green flag, a blue flag, a red light, a yellow light, a blue light, a green light, a white light, or any apparatus and device of any kind which is sufficiently conspicuous to provide warning of a hazardous condition existing upon or associated with said vehicle.
 15. Mountable signaling apparatus for use in warning oncoming vehicles of the existence of an extended or oversized load or other hazard which is adapted for quick and reliable installation and removal upon a variety of cargoes, the mountable signaling apparatus comprising: clamping apparatus, said clamping apparatus further comprising a spring-loaded handle clamp which is operated by oppositely disposed handle members in communication with a coil spring, said coil spring further adapted to apply its tension to separate said oppositely disposed handle members; gripping apparatus, said gripping apparatus further comprising oppositely disposed gripping arms, said gripping arms being each in physical communication with a respective handle member and extending out from its respective handle member opposite from said coil spring so that the tension forcing each said handle members apart from the other said handle member acts to force each said gripping arm to ward the other said gripping arm, each said gripping arm being adapted with one or more gripping surfaces, said gripping surfaces being adapted to, when said handle members are released, firmly grip and adhere to an object which may be protruding out from the rear or to the side of a cargo bearing vehicle; shrouding apparatus, said shrouding apparatus further comprising an enclosure mounted upon an extended length of one said handle member and being of sufficient dimension to enclose, protect and conceal a desired signaling apparatus; and signaling apparatus, said signaling apparatus further comprising apparatus which may be easily inserted within or withdrawn from said shrouding apparatus in order to, respectively, conceal from view or allow the display of a signaling device which may be visible for the distance necessary to warn an approaching driver of the presence of an extended or oversized load or other hazard upon said cargo bearing motor vehicle.
 16. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 15 in which each said gripping arm comprises a flat gripping surface at its end, each said Flat gripping surface being disposed towards the other Flat gripping surfaces so that the tension of said coil spring will grip an object situated between said Flat gripping surfaces.
 17. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 16 in which the gripping ability of each said Flat gripping surface is enhanced by any one or combination of the following means: adapting each gripping surface with scoring or adapting each said gripping surface with an adhesive coating.
 18. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 16 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises a brightly colored flag which is mounted upon said apparatus extending out from said handle member.
 19. The mountable signaling apparatus described in claim 16 in which said signaling apparatus further comprises any one or combination of the following: a red flag, a yellow flag, a white flag, a green flag, a blue flag, a red light, a yellow light, a blue light, a green light, a white light, or any apparatus and device of any kind which is sufficiently conspicuous to provide warning of a hazardous condition existing upon or associated with said vehicle.
 20. Mountable signaling apparatus for use in warning oncoming vehicles of the existence of an extended or oversized load or other hazard which is adapted for quick and reliable installation and removal upon a variety of cargoes, the mountable signaling apparatus comprising: clamping apparatus, said clamping apparatus further comprising a spring-loaded handle clamp which is operated by oppositely disposed handle members in communication with a coil spring, said coil spring further adapted to apply its tension to separate said oppositely disposed handle members; gripping apparatus, said gripping apparatus further comprising oppositely disposed gripping arms, said gripping arms being each in physical communication with a respective handle member and extending out from its respective handle member opposite from said coil spring so that the tension forcing each said handle members apart from the other said handle member acts to force each said gripping arm to ward the other said gripping arm, each said gripping arm being adapted with one or more gripping surfaces, said gripping surfaces being adapted to, when said handle members are released, firmly grip and adhere to an object which may be protruding out from the rear or to the side of a cargo bearing vehicle; and signaling apparatus, said signaling apparatus further comprising a brightly colored flag mounted upon a mounting shaft member extending out from one said handle member so that said flag may be alternatively opened for display or wrapped about said mounting shaft member and secured with any one or combination of the following means: one or more extending tie members; one or more velcro® strips; one or more flexible bands; one or more separate tying lines; or any other means or apparatus commonly used for the purpose of securing a flexible object wrapped about an elongated member. 